Pelican
First off thanks to everyone who came out to the Ugly Christmas Sweater last night! We had a great time and met some really cool people from some sweet Chicago blogs and Web sites.
Feel free to discuss the party here or at the Windy Citizen’s party recap thread.
This weekend, we’re spotlighting tonight’s Flaming Lips performance at 93 XRT’s Big Holiday Concert, Pelican, the Chicago Bluegress & Blues Festival and Russian Circles.
Let’s get to it, shall we?
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By Richard Giraldi \ comments
Russian Circle’s third release, Geneva, starts out as such a damned promising record, coming out of the chute with three of their thickest, heaviest, and most memorable tunes yet. But through poor pacing and scatter shot stylistic changes the album ultimately feels like a disappointment and a missed opportunity. Past albums have worked by gradually ratcheting down the pace such as Talking Heads’ Remain In Light, but Geneva’s diminishing returns don’t pack much of a dramatic punch.
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By Ross Meyerson \ 6 comments
Chicago’s progressive instrumental group Russian Circles are set to release their new album, Geneva, on October 20. But for you impatient folk, we got your hook up.
Suicide Squeeze Records is streaming Geneva in it’s entirety on their Web site, suicidesqueeze.net, right now. First listen impressions: Geneva is heavy, dark and blistering. Basically everything you’d hope for in a Russian Circles album.
By Richard Giraldi \ comments
Another Friday, another chance to beat the crap out of the workday. What better way to do so than check out these soon-to-be-big (if not already) hometown acts:
Russian Circles
Russian Circles offer powerful, deft instrumental rock. Brings to mind fellow instrumentalists (and Chicagoans), Pelican. With Plague Bringer (industrial/grindcore insanity/awesomeness) and Lichens.
Friday, 5/1 at Bottom Lounge. $12/14
OFFICE
OFFICE = lively pop collective with taut guitars, synth-driven euphoria, and hooks that would have Nick Lowe dancing along to. With The Loyal Divide, Kyle Andrews, The Seedy Seeds, Coltrane Motion.
Sat, 5/2 at Double Door, $18/20.
Aleks and the Drummer
Aleks and the Drummer are an echo-y grimy keyboard/drum duo with an enticing cabaret-pop awareness. Fresh off their recent Dave Sitek-produced EP, the band will likely not disappoint. With Jeremy Jay(breezy, Californian pop), Kristeen Young, Bengal Lancer.
Sat, 5/2 at Empty Bottle, $ 8
By Justin Aier \ comments
